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After 45 years almost to the day since it was built in 1969, the former Roy Rogers roast beef eatery is closing.

Curt Breshear stood in line with his wife. The pair drove in from Fairfield.

The old name was changed to Roney’s a couple of years ago because of a little-known technicality about use of the former name.

But hardly any of the regulars adopted the new label. To them it was still Roy’s and always would be.

So starting Monday night when word spread about a lease dispute and an imminent shutdown, people lined up for the drive-thru and out the door, exhibiting sadness, patience and affection for the familiarity of the surroundings.

Guys like Barry Parks, who would go there two or three times a week for the past 45 years choked up about the mom-and-pop atmosphere. He spoke for thousands.